Soundcore, Anker’s audio brand, has mostly lived in the budget-to-midrange world, but with its new Liberty 5 Pro earbuds, it’s aiming at the big guys. The two new earbuds — the Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max — use Anker’s new Thus chip, which has more processing power than previous Soundcore earbuds to try and compete with the chips found in Apple, Sony, and Bose products. And that extra processing power gives the Liberty 5 Pro the best in-call noise canceling I’ve heard in any earbuds.
Technology
Anker’s new earbuds’ call quality is ridiculously good
Previously, the highest-priced Soundcore earbuds (not counting the sleep buds) were the Liberty 4 Pro at $150, but the Liberty 5 Pro are $170 and the Liberty 5 Pro Max are $230. That’s reaching into AirPods Pro 3 territory. Price differences within a product line usually mean different earbud designs, like the open-ear AirPods 4 with ANC versus the sealed AirPods Pro 3. But the Liberty 5 Pro and 5 Pro Max earbuds are exactly the same. They have the same chip, 9.2mm drivers, microphone array, ANC performance, sound profile, battery life, IP55 rating, and overall features. The only difference is the case.
$170
The Good
- Incredible call quality
- Great ANC
- Useful case screen
The Bad
- Default sound profile needs tweaking
The 5 Pro case has an angled 0.96-inch TFT screen on the front that can be used to change settings like ANC, sound profiles, speak-to-chat, and Dolby head tracking. Everything that can be done on the screen can be done in the Soundcore app too, so it’s just preference if you want to take out the case or your phone.
The 1.78-inch AMOLED screen for the 5 Pro Max case is on its sliding top. In addition to the capabilities of the 5 Pro case, you can adjust the screen brightness or change the wallpaper, as well as access a feature that sets the 5 Pro Max apart from its less-expensive sibling: a microphone and an AI note-taking app. You can record audio directly to the case, which has 357MB of storage, then transfer it to your phone where you can generate a transcription and summary in the Soundcore app. (It does require a Soundcore account.)
The file can be edited in the Soundcore app or exported (audio as an MP3, and the transcript and summary as .txt, Markdown, .docx, or PDF file). The transcription can differentiate between different speakers and in my testing I found it to be very accurate, both with who was speaking and with what they were saying. If you’re someone who needs to record classes or meetings regularly it’s a useful feature, especially since it doesn’t require your headphones to be in. But beyond the larger screen, it’s the only major thing that sets the 5 Pro Max apart from the 5 Pro.
The earbuds look similar to the Bose Ultra Earbuds with a wide, chunky outer body, but they don’t feel that way in the ear. As opposed to the bulbous housing of the Bose, the Liberty 5’s housing slims down, allowing for a better fit while also making them easier to hold onto. They’re comfortable and feel very secure, and I was never concerned they would fall out, even when jumping around.
Out of the box, the Liberty 5 sound profile is on the bassy side, causing vocals — especially male vocals — to sound muddy. Snare hits sound dull and there’s sparkle missing from high-end sounds. By choosing your favorite sound clip tuning from a series of seven examples, you can adjust the earbuds to your preferences (there’s also an 8-band EQ if you’d rather use that). It fixed the issues I had with Soundcore’s default profile. There was still good bass response, but the lower mids were cleaned up and the high mids were boosted a bit, causing the whole sound to open up. Nick Drake’s acoustic guitar in “Pink Moon” shimmers more, as do the piano octaves, and his voice doesn’t get swallowed up by the lower guitar register as his voice descends at the end of the chorus vocal line. Compared to the AirPods Pro 3 my Soundcore profile was still heavier on the bass and didn’t have the same high-end response, but I enjoyed my music listening just as much. The Liberty 5 Pro support LDAC for high-res audio from devices that use the codec.
Adaptive noise-canceling performance is comparable to the AirPods Pro 3, and for $80 less, which is great. The Liberty 5 Pro let in a little bit more midrange than the AirPods, but it’s a very small difference. They ably handle low-end drones and will work well for long flights.
The most remarkable feature of the Liberty 5 Pro series, though, is its voice call capability. I have never heard a pair of earbuds or headphones handle ambient noise on a call this well. One time, my very enthusiastic son sang and yelled while jumping up and down in front of me and the person on the other end of the call heard none of it. During another call, arborists fed tree branches into a wood chipper right outside our open apartment window. The person on the other end had no idea.
I have a friend who’s also an audio reviewer, and I call him regularly to test call clarity on headphones and earbuds. He can’t remember the last time I sounded as natural on a call. And this was while a bunch of traffic, with some emergency vehicles, drove past as I walked the neighborhood. To see how they compare to the AirPods Pro 3, I would switch the earbuds without telling him which I was wearing, and he consistently said the Apple buds sounded muddy and more compressed.
The Liberty 5 Pro buds have a voice-control mode that responds quickly, although it’s not consistent when there’s conversation around you. I tried toggling between noise cancellation modes while my wife was on a Zoom call in the same room, and if she was talking I’d need to speak uncomfortably loudly for modes to change. What’s interesting — and a bit disconcerting — is that there’s no wake word needed. So instead of listening for just an activation phrase, it’s listening for 11 different possible phrases, including “Play Music,” “Volume Up,” “Reject Call,” and “Transparency Mode.”
For the call clarity alone, the Liberty 5 Pro series is an impressive step forward. If you mainly use your earbuds for calls, they are the best earbuds to get. While the AI recording and transcription on the Liberty 5 Pro Max case is interesting, unless you need it regularly, there’s no reason to spend the extra $60 over the Liberty 5 Pro. They have the same ANC performance, same sound profile — which is really good after using the customization questionnaire — and same incredible call quality. $170 might be more than Soundcore earbuds have been in the past, but the improvement is worth it, and if you’re not concerned with staying in Apple’s, Google’s, or Samsung’s ecosystems, the Liberty 5 Pro are an excellent option.
Photography by John Higgins / The Verge
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After setting the music gear corner of the internet on fire back in 2023 with the first glimpse at the Nopia, creators Martin Grieco and Rocío Gal are almost ready to bring it to market. The duo brought it to the MusicRadar offices for an in-depth first look and revealed that it will be launching in “a couple of months” for around £550.
Nopia is built around harmonic interplay in a unique way. Rather than a few knobs and a keyboard controlling a single synth patch, it blends multiple modules — keys, bass, arp, and pad — into a single performance, not unlike a drumless groovebox. There’s a one-octave keyboard called the Chord Builder, a 12-button Tonal Selector, and an Extensions Dial that dictate the key and voicing of the chords. The idea is to let you play complex harmonies with just a finger or two.
Additional performance features include a strum plate in the top-right corner for plucking specific notes from a chord and a slider for full chord pitch bends.
In addition to the virtual analog and sample-based synth engines, there are basic effects like delay, reverb, tape emulation, and beat repeat, as well as a ton of connectivity options, including per-module MIDI output for controlling other instruments with Nopia’s harmonic engine.
Google general counsel explains AI-powered phishing rise
Halimah Delaine Prado, Google’s general counsel, reveals the rise of AI-powered phishing scams originating from China’s ‘outsider enterprise.’ She explains how these criminals use artificial intelligence to create highly convincing fake websites, impersonating trusted brands like T-Mobile to defraud hundreds of thousands of Americans, causing millions in losses.
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A message like this can make your stomach drop. It looks like it came from Meta, uses the company logo and threatens your Facebook account. That scary mix is exactly why this scam works.
Angela wrote to CyberGuy after receiving the warning:
“Forwarding a screenshot of a threat I got on Facebook… It looks suspicious! I tried following the prompts and think it’s a scam. Just reporting to you because you’re the cyber guy!”
GLOBAL SCAM CRACKDOWN LEADS TO 276 ARRESTS
A fake Meta warning can look official at a glance, but urgent deletion threats are a major sign you should stop before clicking. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Angela was right to be suspicious. The screenshot has nearly every warning sign of a Facebook phishing scam, from a misspelled account name to a suspicious PDF attachment. Let’s break down what this message is really trying to do and how you can spot the trap before it steals your login.
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Meta Verified scam uses fear to get your attention
The message claims to be a “Meta Announcement” and says your Facebook account “will be closed in the future.” It then accuses your profile of unusual activity, including fraud and harassment.
That language is meant to scare you into acting fast. Scammers know that losing access to Facebook can feel personal, especially if you use it for family photos, business pages, groups or Marketplace. So, they lead with the biggest threat they can: Your account may disappear.
However, the message gives no real details. It does not name a specific post. It does not show a case number. It does not explain where the alleged violation happened. Instead, it throws out vague accusations and hopes panic takes over.
Meta Verified scam red flag No. 1: The name is misspelled
Look closely at the chat name. It says “Meta Verrified” with an extra “r.”
That typo is one of the biggest red flags in the screenshot. Scammers often create fake pages with names that look close to official brands. They count on you reading quickly, especially when the message sounds urgent.
The page also uses the Meta logo, which can make the warning feel official. Still, a logo means very little. Anyone can copy a company logo and add it to a profile photo. The name, message quality and delivery method tell you much more.
Meta Verified scam red flag No. 2: It arrives in Messenger
This warning appears inside a Messenger chat. That alone should make you pause.
If you receive a serious account warning, do not trust a random chat message or attached file. Open Facebook yourself through the app or by typing the address into your browser. Then check your account status, notifications or support inbox from inside your account.
That extra step helps you avoid fake links, fake PDFs and look-alike pages built to steal your password.
Meta Verified scam red flag No. 3: Encryption does not prove anything
The screenshot shows Messenger’s note about end-to-end encryption. Scammers may benefit from that because it can make the chat feel safer.
The encryption note only describes how the chat is protected between participants. It does not confirm that the sender works for Meta.
A scammer can still send you a phishing message inside an encrypted chat. So, do not let that security language lower your guard.
Meta Verified scam red flag No. 4: The wording sounds off
The message says, “We regret to inform you that your Facebook account will be closed in the future.” That is strange phrasing for an official account enforcement notice.
It also says Meta suspects your account “has been hacked or that you are impersonating someone else.” Those are very different issues. A hacked account means someone may have broken into your profile. Impersonation means someone may be pretending to be another person.
The message combines both claims without evidence. That broad wording helps scammers cast a wider net. No matter what you worry about, the message has a threat that may feel possible.
APPLE AI SECURITY UPDATE PROVES HACKERS MOVE FAST
Meta Verified scam red flag No. 5: The 24-hour threat
The message says Meta will permanently delete your account “if we do not hear from you within 24 hours.”
A fake Meta alert may look like a normal phone notification, but misspellings, urgent threats and suspicious attachments are signs to stop before tapping. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
That deadline is the hook. Scammers want you to react before you think. They want you to open the PDF, tap a link, enter your password or share a security code.
Real account problems should still be handled carefully. A legitimate warning does not require you to trust a random attachment inside Messenger.
Meta Verified scam red flag No. 6: The PDF attachment
The attachment is labeled “Facebook Account Support Center.pdf.”
That name sounds official, which is exactly the point. A PDF can contain a phishing link, a fake appeal form or instructions that push you to a scam website. In some cases, files can also lead you toward harmful downloads.
Do not open attachments from unknown Messenger accounts, even if the file name sounds like customer support. If you already opened it, do not enter any passwords, codes or payment information from anything inside that file.
Why scammers impersonate Meta and Facebook support
A fake Meta warning works because it targets something you may use every day. Your Facebook account can include years of photos, contacts, memories and private messages. If you manage a business page, the stakes feel even higher.
Scammers may be after your Facebook password. They may also want your two-factor authentication code, your page admin access or payment details tied to ads. Once they get in, they can lock you out, message your friends or run scams from your account. That is why one fake warning can create a lot of damage.
What to do if you clicked the Meta Verified scam
If you tapped the attachment, followed the prompts or entered any information, treat it as urgent and secure your account from inside Facebook directly.
1) Change your Facebook password
Open the Facebook app > tap Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Password and security > Change password > choose your Facebook account > enter your current password and create a new one. Use a password manager to create and save a strong, unique password you have not used anywhere else.
2) Turn on two-factor authentication
In the Facebook app, tap Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Password and security > Two-factor authentication > choose your Facebook account > select an authentication app or security key and follow the prompts. An authenticator app or security key gives you stronger protection than a text message code.
3) Review where your account is logged in
In the Facebook app, tap Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Password and security > Where you’re logged in > choose your Facebook account. Review the devices, browsers and locations listed. Tap any session you do not recognize, then choose Log out. You can also select multiple sessions and log them out at once.
4) Check your Facebook contact details
In the Facebook app, tap Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Personal details > Contact info. Review every email address and phone number listed. Remove anything you do not recognize, then make sure your own email address and phone number are current.
5) Secure the email tied to Facebook
Open the email account connected to Facebook and change that password, too. Then turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for that email account. If a scammer controls your email, they may be able to reset your Facebook password.
6) Protect your bank or card
If you entered payment information, contact your bank or card company right away. Ask them to watch for suspicious charges and replace the card if needed.
7) Run strong antivirus software
If you downloaded anything, run strong antivirus software on your device. This can help catch malicious files, unsafe downloads and hidden threats that may have come from the PDF. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
8) Report and block the fake Messenger account
Open the Messenger app > open the scam conversation > tap the sender’s name at the top > scroll down > tap Report or Something’s wrong if shown > choose the closest reason, such as scam or impersonation > submit the report. Then go back to the same profile screen > tap Block > choose Block messages and calls or Block on Facebook.
9) Delete the scam chat
In Messenger, go to Chats > press and hold the scam conversation > tap Delete > tap Delete again to confirm. Note: Meta’s Messenger Help Center says deleting a chat removes it from your chats, but it does not remove it from the other person’s inbox.
WHAT SCAMMERS DO THE WEEK YOUR SPOUSE DIES
Ways to stay safe from a Meta Verified scam
A message like this is meant to rush you, so the safest move is to slow down, verify the warning inside Facebook and protect your account before clicking anything.
1) Check Facebook directly
Never trust a Facebook account warning that arrives through a random Messenger chat. Open Facebook yourself and check your account from there.
2) Look closely at the sender name
Spelling errors are a major warning sign. In Angela’s screenshot, “Meta Verrified” has two r’s, which immediately makes the message suspicious.
3) Do not trust a logo by itself
A Meta logo can make a fake account look official, but scammers can copy logos easily. Always judge the message by the sender name, wording, attachment and where it asks you to go.
4) Avoid suspicious PDF attachments
A file name can look official while still leading you into a scam. Avoid opening PDF attachments from unknown support accounts, especially when they claim your account will be deleted.
5) Never share login codes
Meta will not need your password or two-factor authentication code through a Messenger chat. If someone asks for a code, treat it as a scam.
6) Be suspicious of urgent deadlines
A 24-hour deletion threat is designed to make you panic. Scammers use deadlines because they want you to act before you verify the message.
7) Use a password manager
A password manager can help you avoid typing your Facebook password into a fake website. It also makes it easier to use a strong, unique password for every account.
8) Use strong antivirus software
Strong antivirus software can help protect your device from malicious links, unsafe downloads and hidden threats inside suspicious files. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
Scammers count on you checking alerts on your phone and computer, so verify any Facebook warning by opening the app or website yourself. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
9) Use a data removal service
A data removal service can help reduce how much of your personal information is available online. Scammers often use exposed details to make phishing messages feel more believable. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
Kurt’s key takeaways
Angela did the right thing by trusting her gut. This message looks official enough to scare someone, but the details fall apart quickly. The misspelled name, vague accusations, 24-hour threat and PDF attachment all point toward a phishing attempt. The goal is to make you panic long enough to hand over access. If a warning ever claims your Facebook account is about to be deleted, do not click on the message. Go straight to Facebook, check your account there and lock things down before a scammer gets a second chance.
Have you ever received a fake Meta, Facebook or Instagram warning that looked official enough to make you click? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Hot showers, like electricity, are a luxury that’s easy to take for granted. That all changes after a few nights camping at a music festival, a week toiling at a backcountry job site, or overlanding all summer in the great unknown. An itchy scalp and the vague smell of warm clams suddenly make the idea of spending hundreds on a portable shower seem less absurd.
I’ve been testing the Hottap Go from Australia-based Joolca while vanlifing to shower after surfing and to wash up after cooking. It features a 12L integrated water tank which is an improvement on other portable showers that require an external container and long, cumbersome hose that’s easy to trip over. The Hottap Go also recirculates the water until it reaches your chosen temperature. This slows things down a bit, compared to “instant” portable showers, but it doesn’t waste water since it won’t produce an initial shock of cold water that’s usually sprayed into the ground.
The $554 Hottap Go requires an external 12V power source, but in the US Joolca sells a 12V / 5A $165 power bank that attaches magnetically to the case. In Europe I had to roll my own with an €85 (about $100) power bank found on Amazon. The result is a true, fully self-contained hot water system that can be taken anywhere.
$554
The Good
- All-in-one solution for hot showers anywhere
- Water tank large enough for two showers
- All accessories and attachments store inside the unit
- No water wasted unlike competitors
- Temperature remains steady
The Bad
- Very expensive
- Battery is optional and attaches to the outside of the case
- Have to wait a few minutes to heat up
- Water pressure is just okay
To clear up any confusion right away: the Hottap Go requires electricity to power the integrated water pump and display but it heats the water with propane gas. It works with standard 1lb propane canisters out of the box, and larger tanks with a hose and regulator you must provide.
One thing I love about the Hottap Go is that the hoses, battery, showerhead, and gas canister can all be stored inside the water tank when not in use for easy portability and storage. I also like that the flow-adjustable showerhead comes with a magnetic holder. Taken together with its approach to preheating the water through recirculation, it’s clear that Joolca’s product designers have learned from the shortcomings of the current crop of portable propane showers.
To shower, you first attach the quick-release hoses for the gas and showerhead, plug the shower into a 12V power source (power bank, power station, or the cigarette plug inside your car), set your desired temperature and wait. The unit will begin heating and recirculating the water until a series of beeps indicates that the target temperature is reached. I brought tap water up to a hot 47C / 117F (per the display) in exactly four minutes, which was just enough time to gather everything I needed to shower outside my van with my modesty preserved.
On one windy day at the beach, I noticed the Hottap Go had to keep reigniting, despite its leeward venting. It failed so often that I saw an E3 error message on the display. Repositioning the shower out of the wind kept the flame lit. The handle on top makes it easy to move, and the seal around the lid ensures that water won’t slosh onto the ground or your power bank. Otherwise, the Hottap Go always lit and stayed lit without issue during my testing.
Joolca says the Hottap Go is good for two “great showers” or a single “long, luxurious one.” I was able to take two functional yet satisfying showers from its full 12L (3.2 gal) water tank, making liberal use of the on/off switch on the showerhead to conserve water while lathering.
1/11
Water flow is just okay, even at maximum setting. It’s strong enough to penetrate long, thick hair when shampooing but it’s not going to jettison grime from my mountain bike, for example. The magnetic holder is strong and the showerhead feels good in the hand with a nicely positioned on/off switch. Adjusting the flow rate dial is a two-handed operation, but mostly I just left it on max.
If you’ll only use it once or twice a year, then spending over $554 for the Hottap Go portable shower doesn’t make much sense, especially when tankless portable showers like BougeRV’s cost half that. I much prefer the Hottap Go’s recirculating water tank, performance, and overall convenience, though I do wish the optional $165 magnetic power bank was included in that price. Still, for vanlifers like me or anyone who regularly spends days away from plumbing, $719 can be easily justified for what could be the best portable hot water shower available.
- Tank: 12L (3.2 gal), ~2 showers
- Water flow rate: 1.5 – 3.5 L/min (0.4 – 0.9 gal/min)
- Shower hose: 3m (9.8 ft)
- Showerhead has an integrated magnetic mount and controls to turn off the water and adjust its flow
- Two-stage filter lets you use creek water
- Cigarette socket power cable: 5m (16.4 ft), 12V DC
- Power draw: 45W
- Max temp: 60°C (140°F), pre-heats in ~5 min
- Gas: 0.45 kg (1 lb) canister, ~15 showers
- Gas flow rate: 20MJ/hr (18,956 BTU/hr)
- Weight: 9.5 kg (20.9 lb) without water
- Size: 495 x 359 x 180 mm (19.5 x 14.1 x 7.1 in), designed to fit most jerry can holders
Photos by Thomas Ricker / The Verge
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